Novavax is ready to start its Phase 3 trial of a possible COVID-19 vaccine in the UK.
The US firm will get 10,000 volunteers aged between 18 and 84 over the next four to six weeks.
Half of the volunteers in the Novavax trial will have two shots of NVX-CoV2373 with Matrix-M, the company’s adjuvant which is intended to strengthen the vaccine. Half will be given a placebo.
Around 400 volunteers will get a seasonal flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine to see how effective both are when combined.
Gregory M Glenn, president of research and development at Novavax, said the team was “optimistic” that the trial would “provide a near-term view” of the vaccine’s efficacy.
He added: “The data from this trial is expected to support regulatory submissions for licensure in the UK, EU and other countries.
“We are grateful for the support of the UK government, including from its Department of Health and Social Care and National Institute for Health Research, to advance this important research.”
